Hundreds of students donned their caps and gowns to celebrate their academic achievements at Liverpool Hope University’s 2023 Winter Graduation.
More than 200 graduates were joined by their families and friends for the ceremony, which took place at Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral of Christ the King on Thursday 26 January.
PhDs, Masters, Postgraduate Certificates and Bachelor degrees were awarded to the class of 2023, who were joined by Liverpool-born actor David Morrissey as he received an honorary degree in recognition of his distinguished acting career and commitment to social justice initiatives.
With winter sunshine marking their special day, many graduates reflected proudly on their achievements, and fondly on their time at Hope.
"My time at Hope has changed me for the better,” said Catherine Wright, who graduated with an MA in Contemporary European affairs.
“I used to be really shy but now I can go into a room and talk to anybody. It has really brought me out of my shell and it has been the best experience of my life.”
Personal development was a recurring theme amongst the graduates, with Daisy Wade, who studied an MA in History, echoing Catherine’s thoughts.
“It’s definitely given me a lot more confidence in myself and my abilities and it has helped me prepare for the real world,” she added.
“I am planning to hopefully get a job in a museum. I would love to go into curatorship, so hopefully this will give me the opportunity to do that.”
The culmination of years of hard work, many students used graduation day as a chance to also look towards the future.
And for international student Fazal Subhan Safi, an MA in Sociology has confirmed his desire to continue his learning by pursuing a career in academia.
“I am very proud and I am looking forward to getting further degrees [in the future],” he said.
“It was a really great experience completing my degree and living in this beautiful city of Liverpool.
“Liverpool Hope University is fantastic. From top to bottom, everyone was very good and everyone was very kind to me as an international student from Pakistan.”
The graduation ceremony included an address from Interim Vice-Chancellor, Dr Penny Haughan, whose words captured both the reflective and forward-thinking nature of the day.
“We are so proud of you all,” she said.
“Every one of you has worked incredibly hard, faced innumerable challenges and, had, I am sure, many moments of doubt. But here you are today, Hope graduates going out into the world.
“This is a moment of change in your lives, but you have grown strong roots in Liverpool and at Liverpool Hope; never forget these.”